1 John 3:2
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
King James Version
John's promise that at Christ's appearing believers will be transformed to be like Him, seeing Him as He is.
Fulfillment References
1 Corinthians 15:49 Philippians 3:21 Colossians 3:4 Romans 8:29
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalTo 'see him as he is' and be like Him is the apostolic hope — the believer transformed into the image of the one God revealed in Christ (2 Cor. 3:18).
JewishResonates with hopes of the righteous shining in the age to come (Dan. 12:3), though Judaism does not center this on Jesus' appearing.
CatholicThe beatific vision and the glorification of the saints at Christ's coming — seeing God 'as He is.'
ProtestantThe believer's final glorification and Christlikeness, consummated at the Second Coming.
OrthodoxTheosis fulfilled: the saints transformed by beholding the uncreated glory, made like Christ by participation.
DispensationalThe Church's glorification at Christ's appearing, when believers receive resurrection bodies like His.
AcademicScholars read 1 John's 'appearing' (phaneroo) within Johannine realized-yet-future eschatology.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.